Regional journalism has been dealt another blow with news that NBN Television will cut back broadcasts across the Northern Rivers region while staff remain uncertain of how many jobs will be lost.

Last month WIN Corporation purchased NBN Television from Channel 9 for almost $15 million.

Since the early 1970’s NBN Television has broadcast an hour-long news bulletin from its Newcastle base.

NBN News staff were told last Tuesday that WIN management would be examining the news structure over the next three weeks while they assess resources.

It is not clear if, or how many jobs could be impacted.

As part of the changes, staff were advised that the current one-hour weeknight news bulletin would be cut back to 30 minutes, and the weekend news bulletins would be axed.

The news comes after the May 2020 announcement by News Corporation to close more than 125 regional newspapers which saw many job losses as some mastheads shifted from print to digital.

WIN Network CEO Andrew Lancaster said the changes would take effect from June 27.

“The changes to our weeknight bulletins are designed to deliver more local content, more local stories and a stronger connection to the communities we serve across Northern New South Wales,” he said in a statement.

Member for Clarence Richie Williamson was critical of the changes to NBN broadcasting.

“I am extremely disappointed by WIN Television’s decision to cut local NBN television news across Northern NSW,” he said.

“Local news matters. Local content matters. Local jobs matter.

“As someone who worked in local media for decades, I know how important a strong, robust local media is to regional communities like ours.”

Mr Williamson said WIN should ensure local news continues to be reduced.

“I’m calling on WIN management to provide certainty to staff and communities by committing to no forced redundancies of NBN News staff, no reduction in local news crews across Northern NSW and the Mid North Coast, the retention of dedicated local news gathering in regional communities, and the preservation of a strong, standalone local television news service,” he said.

“Regional NSW deserves better than the slow erosion of local media.”

Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan said local news matters.

“I strongly disagree with WIN Television’s decision to cut local NBN News services,” he said.

“I am calling on WIN Television to reconsider this decision and support the future of local journalism in our region.

“Our communities deserve a strong local voice and a platform that shines a spotlight on the stories, issues and achievements that matter most to us.

“Strong local media plays a vital role in keeping our communities informed, connected, and engaged.

“Many rely on local news every day to stay up to date with issues that directly affect their lives.

“Regional news should not be pushed aside in favour of national coverage.”

State Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin said any corporate decisions to reduce local news content were regrettable and shortsighted.

“I have found NBN News reporters and camera operators to be highly professional when interviewed by them,” Ms Saffin said.

“I just hope that we don’t see job losses as a result.”

This article appeared in the Clarence Valley Independent, 12 June 2026.